Locally speaking: “Together you dig in the dirt to put in
trees, and sometimes together you help people do work on
their houses that they can’t do alone.”
“To make it national, we partner with other Rotary groups
for projects, and for international projects we are always part-
nering to help underdeveloped countries, with water wells,
schools, medical supplies, and support.”
Internationally, Rotary has spearheaded efforts to eradicate
polio. Fundraising events help support those efforts.
“For someone who doesn’t travel very much, it’s good to
know I can help in this way,” she said.
“Our motto is ‘service above self.’ To participate, you want
to have a giving heart, with time, talent, or treasure, to give
back. You’re going to get so much more back than what you
put in.”
“No matter if we’re cleaning out an attic or working outside
in the cold,” she said, “We’re a fun group.
And hey, if they’ll accept me as a member, they’ll accept
anyone. They haven’t kicked me out yet. And the operative
word is ‘yet.’”
The Kiernans celebrate 32 years of marriage this year. “The
poor man,” she said, as she tried not to crack a smile.
From her first year in Morgan Hill, Kiernan threw herself
headlong into the community, and she credits the community
for embracing her entire family.
“I made sure that Morgan Hill was more than just a street
address, it was a home—that I could walk down the street,
and I would see someone I know, and they would know me.
I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped my
family when we didn’t know a soul. It made it very easy to
make this our home as quickly as we did.”
Garlic City Mercantile
The Mercantile has not moved…
but has expanded and increased
the garlicky goodies, gadgets, gifts
and décor items by an amazing
amount to stimulate your
adventurous culinary curiosity.
We have also added a local artist’s
section to further increase the
temptation. Bring your friends
and get acquainted with our new look.
Open 10-5 Mon-Fri and 10-4 Sat.
Kiernan on the Go
Kiernan feels a special connection to Community Solutions,
a local area nonprofi t human services agency for which she’s
been a long-time supporter.
“This organization really hits my heart; I am amazed at
how their clients overcome hurdles. I’ve love being involved
with kids…even going to read with kids through community
programs.”
Her past volunteer activities include board positions with
the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Mt. Madonna
YMCA. She still loves to work at the events, especially the
races, “when little ones come through and get medals,” she
said. She also volunteers at her church, St Catherine’s.
For fun, she loves to exercise at the Centennial Recreation
Center. Kiernan also works in her garden. Last year, she
converted her whole yard to drought-resistant landscaping.
Now she gets outside and pulls weeds. “Then, the next day I’m
complaining because my legs are so sore,” she laughed. “But I
look outside my window, and it’s worth it.”
She attends a book club with a group of friends, to support
her reading habit. After moving into her current neighborhood,
she was invited to sit in as a substitute for a bunco game and
then, to become a member.
“I must have been on my best behavior because they let me
stay,” she joked.
Kiernan is also a sports fan. “I love hockey, and going to
Sharks games. I will yell, and [the players] hear me, and I will
yell in my own living room. It’s a good thing the games are in
the winter months, when the windows are closed!”
She and her husband also try to hang out with their kids
“as often as they will come around. “We have one son, Billy,
who’s a tradesman in carpentry and welding. He lives in
Morgan Hill. Our daughter Hallie, who just passed the bar,
is going to work in Intellectual Property, and is working for a
judge now in Sacramento.”
50
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
408.767.2434 • 7550 Monterey Street • Gilroy
Join us for Music in the Vineyard
Featuring Entourage on Saturday, June 23 rd from 6-10 pm
$5.00 Cover Charge
Free Summer Concert Series
Saturdays: May 6-20-27 and June 10-17 12:30 to 3:30 pm
Wine Tasting
Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-5pm
4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy
@fortinowinery
408.842.3305
MAY/JUNE 2017
gmhtoday.com